protein translation

Translation

The process by which a ribosome decodes messenger RNA (mRNA) and synthesizes a protein by matching mRNA codons with the appropriate amino acids.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

A type of RNA that serves as the translator in protein synthesis, matching mRNA codons with the correct amino acids.

Aminoacyl-tRNA

A tRNA molecule that is covalently bonded to its corresponding amino acid, ready for incorporation into a growing polypeptide chain.

High Energy Bond

A term used to describe bonds that, when hydrolyzed, release significant energy for cellular processes; often associated with bonds between amino acids and AMP.

Proofreading

The mechanism by which aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase checks for the correct amino acid attached to the corresponding tRNA before protein synthesis begins.

Ribosome

The cellular machinery composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins that catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds during translation.

Peptidyl-tRNA

A tRNA molecule that carries a growing polypeptide chain during translation.

Initiator tRNA

The special tRNA that brings methionine to the ribosome at the start of protein synthesis.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Reading Frame

The way in which nucleotides in mRNA are grouped into codons, crucial for the correct translation of the mRNA into protein.

Elongation Factors

Proteins that bind to the ribosome during translation and regulate the process of adding new amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.

Release Factor

A protein that recognizes stop codons during translation and facilitates the release of the newly synthesized polypeptide chain from the ribosome.

Ribozyme

An RNA molecule that hosts catalytic activity, for example, the ribosomal RNA that facilitates peptide bond formation.

AUG

The start codon in mRNA that signals the beginning of translation and codes for methionine.

Acyl bond

A type of bond formed between the carboxyl group of an amino acid and the hydroxyl group of tRNA, essential for amino acid attachment.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.